Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over what he claims are defamatory statements made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central District.
The petition, submitted on Wednesday, calls for the senator to be summoned by the police to substantiate her allegations or face arrest and prosecution for criminal defamation, inciting public disturbance, and spreading false information harmful to public peace.
In the petition, signed by Bello’s lawyer, N.A. Abubakar, the former governor demanded that Akpoti-Uduaghan either provide credible evidence to support her claims or face legal action. Bello also made it clear that if she failed to provide such evidence, he expected the police to prosecute the senator in accordance with the law.
Bello’s petition is centered around allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a homecoming event in Okehi Local Government Area on April 1, 2025. According to the former governor, the senator falsely accused him of being involved in a plot to assassinate her. Bello described the remarks as malicious and damaging to his reputation.
The former governor further stated that the senator’s accusations were a violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. He argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions had not only tarnished his personal and political reputation but had also incited division and mistrust, particularly within the Ebiraland community and Kogi Central.
“By accusing our client of plotting an assassination and naming him as a co-conspirator in a purported murder plot, Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan has gravely damaged our client’s reputation,” said Bello’s lawyer in the petition. “Her actions misled the public and attempted to create ethnic and political tensions.”
Additionally, the petition alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan used her status as a lawmaker to propagate falsehoods in a public and politically charged setting, which could have serious repercussions for Bello’s career and personal safety.
In response to the allegations, Bello has demanded a retraction and public apology from the senator, warning that failure to comply would result in further legal actions. His legal team also stated that the senator’s actions were designed to harm Bello’s standing, both in the eyes of the public and within the political sphere.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding the petition. However, the matter is expected to escalate in the coming days as investigations proceed.
This latest development in the ongoing political rivalry between Bello and Akpoti-Uduaghan highlights the tensions within Kogi State’s political landscape and raises questions about the limits of free speech and political discourse in Nigeria.
The police are yet to comment on the petition, and it remains to be seen whether they will take action as requested by the former governor.
